Brookside Botanical Gardens

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Parks

Maryland

Nearby: Wheaton Regional Park Athletic Complex Wheaton Regional Park

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Brookside Botanical Gardens is a 50-acre public garden located in Wheaton, Maryland, United States.

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Summary

It is open year-round and offers a variety of gardens and nature trails that showcase native plants and flowers.

One of the main reasons to visit Brookside Botanical Gardens is to experience the diverse collection of gardens. The gardens include the Aquatic Garden, Butterfly Garden, Children’s Garden, Garden of Lights, Japanese Style Garden, and more. Each garden has its unique theme and features, making it a great place for nature enthusiasts, families, and photographers.

Apart from the gardens, Brookside Botanical Gardens has several points of interest to see, including the Visitors Center, which features interactive exhibits and educational displays. The gardens also offer various events and programs throughout the year, such as plant sales, art exhibits, and guided tours.

Interesting facts about Brookside Botanical Gardens include the fact that the gardens were established in 1969 and have since become a popular attraction for locals and tourists alike. The gardens are also home to several wildlife species, including birds, butterflies, and amphibians.

The best time to visit Brookside Botanical Gardens is during the spring and summer months when the gardens are in full bloom, and the weather is mild. However, the Garden of Lights exhibit, which features over 1 million twinkling lights, is a must-see during the holiday season.

In summary, Brookside Botanical Gardens is a beautiful and educational destination that offers visitors an opportunity to explore and appreciate the natural world. With its diverse collection of gardens, educational exhibits, and various events and programs, it is a great place for individuals and families to spend their leisure time.

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

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